Heron Lake Plateau I'm staring down myself, counting up the years

"I won't," Kiwi said. Wildfire allowed the words to hearten her as she smiled fondly at her little girl. It didn't quite falter at the unexpected question, though her face took on a more thoughtful expression. She took a moment to collect her thoughts and wipe the teary streaks from her cheeks before answering.

"I was born when the Redhawks lived at the caldera. I lived there until I was about your age, actually. I left to go live with my friend, Floki, at his new pack, Moonspear. He'd helped me find Aunt Flea—who I'd love for you to meet—when she'd gone missing. Anyway," she continued, pausing for a thoughtful breath as she wondered what Kiwi would make of the next bit of this story, "Floki and I fell in love and became mates. But then I was badly hurt by another wolf. Floki and Moonspear's Alpha, Charon, didn't understand what I'd gone through. I ended up leaving Moonspear." Yes, she'd spare her daughter the gory details. "And finding my way to your nomi and Drageda," she concluded with a mild pang.

That made Wildfire look speculatively at her youngest daughter, who would be an adult in a matter of weeks. "I know I didn't really explain myself before we left Drageda, so if you have any questions about that... I'll answer them as honestly as I can."